Deterministic and Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Elemental Composition in Pistachios and Hazelnuts from Iran

In the present study, concentrations of 28 elements (Ca, Cu, Li, Co, Sn, Fe, S, Pt, Au, Bi, B, Sr, W, Si, P, Mg, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Se, Zn, Al, Ba, Cd, Pb and As) in pistachios and hazelnuts collected from local markets in Tehran, Iran, were assessed using ICP-OES. The elemental risk assessments were carried out by estimating recommended dietary allowance, chronic daily intake, target hazard quotient, and incremental lifetime cancer risk. Results revealed that the highest and the lowest concentrations of elements in all samples included K (4700 ± 3473 μg Kg^-1) and Li (0.173 ± 0.40 μg Kg^-1), respectively. In addition, results showed that Cd, As, Pb, Co, Bi, Au, Pt, and Sn were not detected in the samples. In all the nuts samples, quantities of the elements (μg Kg^-1) were less than the standard levels (Pb = 20, Cd = 10, As = 140, Al = 500, Fe = 2700 and Mn = 100). The principal component analysis results highlighted the distinguishing characteristics of the nuts. Cluster analysis helped distinguish four subgroups based on their ability to accumulate elements. Therefore, chemometric analysis could be a practical method for classifying nut samples based on their elements. Based on the results of health risk indicators, no risks of exposure to heavy metals from the consumption of Iranian pistachio and hazelnut samples are reported.